MiraCosta students will help with tax returns

OCEANSIDE  MiraCosta College students trained in tax issues will volunteer their time and expertise this spring to help low- and moderate-income families prepare their tax returns.

Students are undergoing training for the college’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.

The VITA Program, sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income families who cannot prepare their own tax returns.

Through the IRS program, certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Tax assistance sites are typically at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools and shopping malls. Most sites also offer free electronic filing.

Student volunteers from MiraCosta College, based in Oceanside, will work at North County Lifeline offices in Oceanside and Vista to assist in providing the free service.